Relationships between Flexural and Bonding Properties, Marginal Adaptation, and Polymerization Shrinkage in Flowable Composite Restorations for Dental Application

• Published in: Polymers 2021-08, Vol.13 (16), p.2613
• Main Authors: Tsujimoto, Akimasa, Irie, Masao, Teixeira, Erica Cappelletto Nogueira, Jurado, Carlos Alberto, Maruo, Yukinori, Nishigawa, Goro, Matsumoto, Takuya, Garcia-Godoy, Franklin
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptation; Addition polymerization; Adhesives; Bond strength; Bonding strength; Bulk polymerization; Composite materials; Curing; Dental materials; Dentin; Dentistry; Drinking water; Enamel; Hypotheses; Light emitting diodes; Manufacturers; Mechanical properties; Polymerization; Shrinkage; Software; Teeth
• ISSN: 2073-4360; 2073-4360
• DOI: 10.3390/polym13162613

To evaluate the flexural and bonding properties, marginal adaptation, and polymerization shrinkage in flowable composite restorations and their relationships, four new generation flowable composites, one conventional, and one bulk-fill flowable composite were used in this study. Flexural properties of the composites and shear bond strength to enamel and dentin for flowable restorations were measured immediately and 24 h after polymerization. Marginal adaptation, polymerization shrinkage, and stress were also investigated immediately after polymerization. The flexural properties, and bond strength of the flowable composites to enamel and dentin were much lower immediately after polymerization than at 24 h, regardless of the type of the composite. Polymerization shrinkage and stress varied depending on the material, and bulk-fill flowable composite showed much lower values than the others. The marginal adaptation and polymerization shrinkage of the composites appeared to have a much stronger correlation with a shear bond strength to dentin than to enamel. The weak mechanical properties and bond strengths of flowable composites in the early stage after polymerization must be taken into account when using them in the clinic. In addition, clinicians should be aware that polymerization shrinkage of flowable composites can still lead to the formation of gaps and failure of adaptation to the cavity regardless of the type of composite.